Posts by bfreebz
From Seeds to Trees
A couple of years ago, the Jobillo tree next to the house where I live at BFREE, began dropping flowers. The dry season was in full force, so it must have been around May when I noticed the first bunch of delicate, perfect, pale, white blooms. I collected a few out of curiosity and asked…
Read MoreThe Future of Conservation in Belize is in our Hands!
Will you help us build the future of conservation for Belize? Together, we can continue to offer professional training, conduct biodiversity research, sustainable agriculture, conserve the tropical rainforest, and educate Belize’s up-and-coming conservation leaders. Thanks to a small contingent of committed donors, all donations up to $75,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. The future of…
Read MoreCelebrate the 5th Annual Hicatee Awareness Month!
Please join BFREE and the Hicatee Awareness Planning Committee in celebrating the 5th Annual Hicatee Awareness Month this October! The Hicatee turtle is the only living species in an ancient family dating back 65 million years. This turtle has outlived the dinosaurs! Unfortunately, the Hicatee now faces a high risk of extinction due to overhunting. …
Read MoreIntroducing #CantiCam
This July, BFREE launched a new wildlife monitoring program with Panthera Wildlife Cameras. These cameras are designed to endure the wet, humid rainforest conditions and are perfect for the BFREE Privately Protected Area. Protected Areas Manager and Head Park Ranger, Sipriano Canti, is tasked with managing the project. Canti states “With this monitoring program, we…
Read MoreJournal Article on Predation of Turkey Vulture at BFREE
Press Release #7: Reprinted from the Raptor Research Foundation Journal of Raptor Research 55(3) Predation on Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura): A new observation and review Authors: Steven G. Platt, Heather A. Barrett, Leonardo Ash, Jacob A, Marlin, Shane Boylan, and Thomas R. Rainwater. The Turkey Vulture is a relatively well-studied scavenging bird common throughout much…
Read MoreMeet BFREE’s Newest Fellow, Mark Canti
A Little About MeI was born in a subtropical climate during the rainy season in my native village of Golden Stream. It is located along the main highway, a couple of miles south of the BFREE junction. I do not remember much of my childhood, but I sure remembered how much my parents loved, cared,…
Read MoreFirst BFREE Cacao Fellow Completes Program!
BFREE’s first Cacao Fellow, Lenardo “Leo” Ash, is graduating from his two-year work-training program this week. He will immediately begin studies at the University of Belize, where he will work toward his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management. Lenardo began his Fellowship in July 2019 under the mentorship of Cacao Program Director, Erick Ac.…
Read MoreCongratulations to Jaren Serano, BFREE’s first Wildlife Fellow alum!
Congratulations to BFREE’s first Wildlife Fellow alum, Jaren Serano, who recently graduated with honors from Jacksonville University. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Sustainability and Minor in Biology in June 2021. Jaren helped launch the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program in January 2018. With the support of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), Jaren…
Read MoreWildlife Fellow, Jonathan Dubon Embarks on 2nd Year
Jonathan Dubon is the second Wildlife Fellow to take part in the BFREE Fellowship Program. Jonathan began working with BFREE in June 2020, immediately after the shelter-in-place order was lifted in Belize. He assists Tom Pop at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center (HCRC), and although his program began during the COVID pandemic, his first…
Read MoreTSA-NAFTRG Turtle Survey at BFREE
Last month, the BFREE reserve became the focus of a mark-recapture survey by the Turtle Survival Alliance’s – North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (TSA-NAFTRG). After a year’s delay due to the COVID pandemic, the team was thrilled to get approval from Belize Fisheries Department to implement their research. The TSA-NAFTRG team’s goals included establishing…
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